THOUSANDS of mourners turned out for a poignant memorial walk along the beat of Britain’s best-loved bobby.

PC Andy Hocking died from a suspected heart attack on Sunday, and news of the popular police officer’s death quickly sparked a wave of grief on social media.

As tale after tale of affection for Andy was exchanged, Falmouth local Matt Barnicoat came up with the idea of a memorial march along his beat.

Yesterday, 6000 people took to the streets to re-trace his steps for a final time.

Andy’s family led the procession, which started at 1pm, and those taking part were encouraged to talk to at east one person they did not know.

The event was described as “unbelievable” by local photographer Colin Higgs.

He added: “They expected about three thousand but the crowd was probably double that.

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Police gather to pay tribute to Andy Hocking

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Finn Roberts (6) and father Sgt Dan Roberts at the start of the walk

If he saw the pictures he’d be grinning ear to ear

Chris Stamp

“There were just so many people - the place was packed.”

Businesses along his route displayed banners and placards celebrating the 52-year-old’s contribution to the community.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, the South West Ambulance Service and the RNLI walking attended.

The mourners walked through the town to Event Square, where Falmouth Marine band played a rendition of the The Song of Western Men.

The dock sirens were then sounded to mark the end of the service

Andy died when he took ill while at the wheel of his car. The father of two had worked as a printer before joining the police force in his early 30s, eventually returning to his childhood town of Falmouth to serve as a PC.

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During his time on the force he has received a bravery award and a community hero award from Downing Street.

Andy’s brother Stephen said: “Colleagues and community members continue to pay tribute to an iconic officer of the law. His response would have been ‘I love, live, and work in an iconic town with iconic people.”

His sudden death shocked the community, but almost immediately it became clear how popular he had been. Locals told how he knew the name of everyone in the town and would always be ready to help with a smile.

Chris Stamp said of the days after his death: “Walking through town, I was gobsmacked at the majority of the shops with Thank You Andy pictures. Incredible to see the community coming together. If he saw the pictures I bet he will be grinning ear to ear. Thank you Falmouth. I’m speechless.”

Sarah Fletcher wrote on his memorial site: “It brings me to tears reading all these wonderful tributes to Andy. How one man changed Falmouth, touched so many hearts and taught us all how to care for each other again.

“The biggest tribute we can show Andy is for all the people in Falmouth to continue his great work”.